Definition:

retropubic prostatectomy (reh-troh-PYOO-bik PROS-tuh-TEK-toh-mee)

Surgery to remove part or all of the prostate and some of the tissue around it. Nearby lymph nodes may also be removed. A retropubic prostatectomy may be done through an incision (cut) made in the wall of the lower abdomen, or it may be done using a laparoscope. A laparoscope is a thin, tube-like instrument with a light and lens for viewing. Several small incisions (cuts) are made in the wall of the abdomen, and the laparoscope is inserted through one opening to guide the surgery. Surgical instruments are inserted through the other openings to do the surgery.